WEARABLE RESISTANCE EXERCISE GARMENTAND METHOD OF RESISTANCE EXERCISE

Abstract

A wearable resistance exercise garment and method of resistance exercise provides stretchy material athletic pants with elastic bands attached at the ankle ends for resistance exercises. The wearer pulls one end of the elastic bands in a first direction to generate an external resistance force that is counterbalanced by the weight and feet of the wearer. The pants have an upper waist section and a pair of legs terminating at two ankle ends. The ankle ends form openings that enable passage of the feet. A hook and loop fastener strap regulates the snugness around the ankle. A fastenable pocket forms at ankle ends. Elastic bands have a first end fixedly attach to the pocket, and a second end that can be grasped by the wearer. The bands are pulled in first direction and manipulated for resistance training. When not in use, the bands are tucked into their respective pockets.

Claims

1. A resistance exercise garment, the garment comprising: a pair of resilient pants operable to be worn by a wearer, the pants being defined by a stretchable surface, an upper waist section, and a pair of legs terminating at two ankle ends, the ankle ends forming openings; a hook and loop fastener strap sewn at the ankle ends, the hook and loop fastener strap regulating the diameter of the ankle ends; a pair of fastenable pockets being integral with the ankle ends of the pants, the fastenable pockets defined by an inner cavity; a pair of elastic bands defined by a first end and a second end, the first end joined with the fastenable pockets, the elastic bands being compactable into the fastenable pockets, the elastic bands being operable to be pulled in a first direction towards the upper waist section, whereby the pulling the elastic bands in the first direction generates an external resistance force along the longitudinal of the elastic bands, whereby the fixed attachment between the fastenable pockets and the first end of the elastic bands helps counterbalance the external resistance force generated by pulling the elastic bands in the first direction; and a pair of stirrup loop straps at the ankle ends, the stirrup loop straps extending across the openings formed at the ankle ends.

2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the upper waist section is defined by a wide, foldable band.

3. The garment of claim 1, wherein the openings in the ankle ends enable passage of the ankles and the feet.

4. The garment of claim 3, wherein the stirrup loop straps receive the feet.

5. The garment of claim 4, wherein the feet prevent the ankle ends from moving in the first direction and help counterbalance the external resistance force generated by pulling the elastic bands in the first direction.

6. The garment of claim 5, wherein the hook and loop fastener strap regulates the snugness of the ankle ends around the ankles.

7. The garment of claim 1, wherein the ankle ends comprise a bottom hem, the bottom hem forming a tunnel.

8. The garment of claim 7, wherein the hook and loop fastener strap is sewn inside the tunnel that forms through the bottom hem.

9. The garment of claim 1, wherein the fastenable pockets are disposed longitudinally with the legs of the pants.

10. The garment of claim 1, further comprising a fastening mechanism operable with the fastenable pockets, the fastening mechanism regulating access to the inner cavity of the fastenable pockets.

11. The garment of claim 10, wherein the fastening mechanism closes the fastenable pockets when the elastic bands are inside the inner cavity.

12. The garment of claim 11, wherein the fastening mechanism includes at least one of the following: a zipper, a hook and loop fastener, a button, a magnet, a snap-fit connector, and an adhesive.

13. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first end of the elastic bands are fixedly attached to the pocket from inside the inner cavity.

14. The garment of claim 1, wherein the second end of the elastic bands terminate at a ring.

15. The garment of claim 1, wherein the elastic bands extend from the fastenable pocket to the upper waist section.

16. The garment of claim 1, wherein the pants, or the elastic bands, or both are double stitched.

17. The garment of claim 1, wherein the first end of elastic bands comprises a clip member detachably attachable to an anchor member that anchors inside inner cavity of pocket.

18. The garment of claim 1, further comprising a slide buckle operable to slide along the length of the elastic bands.

19. A resistance exercise garment, the garment comprising: a pair of resilient athletic training pants operable to be worn by a wearer, the athletic training pants being defined by a stretchable surface, an upper waist section, and a pair of legs terminating at two ankle ends, the ankle ends forming openings, the openings in the ankle ends enabling passage of the ankles and the feet, the ankle ends comprising a bottom hem, the bottom hem forming a tunnel, the stretchable surface including at least one of the following materials: a Ponte Roma material, a blend of cotton, lycra spandex, nylon, polyester, wool, and a light and stretchy synthetic material; a hook and loop fastener strap sewn at the ankle ends, the hook and loop fastener strap regulating the diameter of the ankle ends; a pair of fastenable pockets being integral with the ankle ends of the pants, the fastenable pockets defined by an inner cavity, the fastenable pockets being disposed longitudinally with the legs of the pants; a fastening mechanism operable with the fastenable pockets, the fastening mechanism regulating access to the inner cavity of the fastenable pockets; and a pair of elastic bands defined by a first end and a second end, the first end of elastic bands comprises a clip member detachably attachable to an anchor member that anchors inside inner cavity of pocket, the second end terminating at a ring, the elastic bands being compactable into the fastenable pockets, the elastic bands being operable to be pulled in a first direction towards the upper waist section, the elastic bands being double stitched, whereby the pulling the elastic bands in the first direction generates an external resistance force along the longitudinal of the elastic bands, whereby the fixed attachment between the fastenable pockets and the first end of the elastic bands helps counterbalance the external resistance force generated by pulling the elastic bands in the first direction; a slide buckle operable to slide along the length of the elastic bands; and a pair of stirrup loop straps at the ankle ends, the stirrup loop straps extending across the openings formed at the ankle ends, the stirrup loop straps receiving the feet, whereby the feet prevent the ankle ends from moving in the first direction and help counterbalance the external resistance force generated by pulling the elastic bands in the first direction.

20. A method for resistance training with a resistance exercise garment, the method comprising: aligning a pair of resilient pants with the legs, the pants being defined by a stretchable surface, an upper waist section, and a pair of legs terminating at two ankle ends, the ankle ends forming openings; donning the pants, such that the feet pass through the openings; fitting the feet into a pair of stirrup loop straps at the ankle ends; adjusting, with a hook and loop fastener strap, the ankle ends of the pants to form a snug fit around the ankles of the wearer; removing a pair of elastic bands from a pair of fastenable pockets in the ankle ends, the elastic bands defined by a free second end and a first end fixedly attached to the pockets; grasping the second end of the elastic bands; pulling the elastic bands in a first direction, whereby an external resistance force is generated along the longitudinal of the elastic bands; compacting the elastic bands into the fastenable pockets; and fastening closed, with a hook and loop fastener, the fastenable pocket.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0046] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary wearable resistance exercise garment with concealable elastic workout bands, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the athletic pants of the wearable resistance exercise garment, where FIG. 2A is a front view and FIG. 2B is a rear view, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a leg of the pants with the elastic band extended during exercise, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a leg of the pants with the elastic band concealed in a pocket during exercise, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate a perspective view of a wearer manipulating elastic bands during resistance exercises, where FIG. 5A shows wearer grasping both rings while pivoting on the balls of the feet, so as to strengthen the calves and lower legs in general. FIG. 5B shows the wearer grasping the elastic bands in a cross-position while holding the feet, and thereby the first end of elastic bands steady on the ground, so as to strengthen the arms and general upper body region. FIG. 5C shows the wearer tying the second end of elastic bands to a mounted object and lifting the legs for leg strengthening exercises. FIG. 5D shows the wearer grasping both rings while pivoting on the balls of the feet, so as to strengthen the calves and lower legs in general, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary upper waist band, where FIG. 6A shows the upper waist band folded over, and FIG. 6B shows the upper waist band fully extended, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] FIG. 7 illustrates a close up view of a hook and loop strap wile fastening the ankle end around the ankle of the wearer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a leg of the pants with the elastic band concealed in the pocket, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] FIG. 9 illustrates a close up view of a leg of the pants with the first end of the elastic band fixedly attached to the fastenable pocket, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of elastic bands outside the pockets and folded for entry into the pocket, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of elastic bands retracting into inner cavity of the pockets, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] FIG. 12, illustrates a perspective view of the pocket having a flap and a fastening mechanism that encapsulate elastic bands for secure stowage in the inner cavity, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of the elastic band fully stowed inside the inner cavity of pocket, and fastening mechanism closing the pocket, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a pair of length adjustable and detachable elastic bands extending a substantial length of the pant legs, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary clip member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] FIG. 16 illustrates a close-up view of an exemplary slide buckle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0062] FIG. 17 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for resistance exercise with a resistance exercise garment.

[0063] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0064] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word exemplary or illustrative means serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any implementation described herein as exemplary or illustrative is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms upper, lower, left, rear, right, front, vertical, horizontal, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0065] A wearable resistance exercise garment and method of resistance exercise is referenced in FIGS. 1-17. The wearable resistance exercise garment, hereafter garment provides a pair of resilient athletic pants 102, often used in athletic training exercises, in a fixed, resilient relationship with a pair of elastic bands 118a, 118b that extend from the ankle ends 126a-b of the pants 102. The elastic bands 118a-b are configured for resistance training, and can be pulled towards the head of the wearer to generate an external resistance force, as the weight of the wearer, and the attachment of stirrup loop straps at the feet counterbalance the puling motion in the first direction 500. After exercise, the elastic bands 118a-b are easily stowed and concealed in pockets 112a, 112b that form in ankle ends 126a-b of pants 102.

[0066] Looking at FIG. 1, garment 100 comprises a pair of resilient athletic training pants 102 that are operable to be worn by a wearer. Pants 102 being are defined by a stretchable surface 132, such as those used in yoga pants, and other athletic garment 100s known in the art. In one embodiment, pants 102 are flexible, form-fitting pants designed for physical workouts, running, the practice of yoga, and other physical activities that involve movement, bending, and stretching. In some embodiments, pants 102 may be worn for sports and physical exercise, martial arts, dancing, Pilates, or aerobics. In some embodiments, pants 102 may be fabricated from a Ponte Roma material, a blend of cotton, lycra spandex, nylon, polyester, wool, a light and stretchy synthetic material, or a combination thereof.

[0067] As illustrated in FIG. 2A, pants 102 are defined by an upper waist section having a wide, foldable band 136, and a body section that runs longitudinally to a pair of legs terminating at two ankle ends 126a, 126b. Upper waist section 104 forms a restrictive band around the waist of wearer to maintain pants 102 against the abdomen and waist. As FIG. 6A shows, upper waist section 104 folded over to accommodate different sizes of waists. Upper waist section 104 may also be folded over to create additional tension around the abdomen. Upper waist section 104 may also be folded over to create comfort for the wearer. However, wearer may also extend upper waist section 104 for a more natural look (FIG. 6B).

[0068] In one embodiment, upper waist section 104 may utilize double materials, or may have an additional elastic piece integrated therein to provide greater snugness around the waist. In some embodiments, upper waist section 104 may be 5 wide. Though in other embodiments, other sizes may also be used.

[0069] Ankle ends at the terminus of the pant legs are sized and dimensioned to form openings that enable passage of the ankles and the feet. Ankle ends comprise a bottom hem 128 that folds, and in some embodiments, forms a tunnel 134. Hem 128, may be double stitched and create an ornamental, designer effect to pants. Tunnel 134 that forms in hem is useful for retaining a hook and loop fastener strap, as described below.

[0070] In some embodiments of garment 100, a hook and loop fastener strap 110a, 110b is sewn at each ankle end 126a, 126b of pants 102. FIG. 7 illustrates a close up view of a hook and loop strap 110a-b wile fastening the ankle end around the ankle of the wearer. Hook and loop fastener strap regulates the diameter of the ankle ends by squeezing around the ankles. Hook and loop fastener strap 110a, 110b, i.e., Velcro straps, is sewn inside tunnel 134 at the bottom hem 128 of ankle ends 126a, 126b. Hook and loop fastener strap 110a-b works to regulate the snugness of the openings 108a, 108b around the ankle 200.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 8, hook and loop fastener strap 110a-b that is sewn, welded, or otherwise affixed inside a tunnel 134 at the bottom hem 128 of ankle ends 126a-b. Hook and loop fastener strap 110a-b is manipulated to regulate the snugness of the openings 108a-b around the ankle 200. For example, wrapping the strap around the ankle 200 and engaging the hook and loop fastener wraps the ankle ends 126a-b around the ankle 200 in a snug configuration.

[0072] Garment 100 may further include a pair of fastenable pockets 112a, 112b that are integral with the ankle ends of the pants. In one non-limiting embodiment, the fastenable pockets being disposed longitudinally with the legs of the pants. The fastenable pockets are defined by an inner cavity. A fastening mechanism is operable with the fastenable pockets, for opening and closing the inlet in the fastenable pockets. The fastening mechanism regulates access to the inner cavity of the fastenable pockets.

[0073] Looking at the rear view of garment 100, shown in FIG. 2B, pocket 112a-b includes a fastening mechanism 116, such as a 7 zipper. Fastening mechanism 116 is configured to be manipulated by wearer of pants 102 to easily regulate access to the inner cavity 114 of pocket 112a-b. Fastening mechanism 116 may be opened to extend from inside the pocket 112a-b, or stow the bands in the inner cavity 114 of the pocket 112a-b. Fastening mechanism 116 may also be closed to secure the bands inside pocket 112a-b, and also to give the appearance of a fashionable athletic wear pants 102.

[0074] A primary component of the present invention are a pair of elastic bands 118a-b operable with pants 102, and configured for resistance training. Elastic bands 118a, 118b are integral to the pants 102, working to create a synergy with the pants 102 for optimal resistance training. It is significant to note that elastic bands 118a, 118b are also useful for physical therapy, specifically by convalescents of muscular injuries, including cardiac rehab patients to allow slow rebuilding of strength.

[0075] In some embodiments, elastic bands 118a, 118b may be fabricated from synthetic rubber or natural rubber. Elastic bands 118a, 118b have a predefined resistance level to accommodate different resistances. In one alternative embodiment, elastic bands 118a, 118b are color coded to show different levels of resistance. Elastic bands 118a, 118b may be interchanged within pockets 112a-b to change the resistance level.

[0076] Elastic bands are defined by a first end 120 that is distal from the head of the wearer, and a free second end 122 that is proximal to the head of the wearer and graspable for pulling and manipulating for resistance training. First end 120 of elastic bands 118a-b fixedly attaches to the fastenable pockets. FIG. 9 illustrates a close up view of a leg of the pants with the first end 120 of elastic band fixedly attached to inside of fastenable pocket.

[0077] In one possible embodiment, the second end 122 of elastic bands terminates at a ring that can be easily grasped by wearer while performing resistance exercises. Further, elastic bands are resilient, and thereby compactable into the fastenable pockets. This allows for convenient stowage and concealment of the elastic bands 118a-b, as described below. In one non-limiting embodiment, elastic bands 118a-b are double stitched. Elastic bands 118a, 118b may be defined by a large squared design at a lower section (from the knee down) for added fashion.

[0078] As FIG. 3 shows, elastic bands 118a-b are configured to extend and retract in relation to pockets 112a-b. When fully stretched, elastic bands 118a-b run up a substantial length of the pant legs 106a-b, generally beyond the upper waist section 104. From their second end 122, elastic bands 118a-b are grasped at the rings 124a, 124b and manipulated, working against the weight of the wearer and resistance from the legs 106a-b of the wearer.

[0079] In exercise operation, elastic bands 118a-b are operable to be pulled in a first direction 500 towards the upper waist section. First direction 500 is defined as a vector from the ankle ends towards the upper waist section, or the head, or distally, from the wearer. In this manner, pulling the elastic bands in the first direction generates an external resistance force along the longitudinal of the elastic bands. The fixed attachment between the fastenable pockets and the first end of the elastic bands helps counterbalance the external resistance force generated by pulling the elastic bands in the first direction 500.

[0080] However, when not in use, elastic bands 118a-b are tucked into their respective pockets 112a-b. FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of elastic bands outside the pockets and folded for entry into the pocket. While elastic bands are tucked into pockets 112a-b, the wearer can then wear the garment 100, while elastic bands 118a-b remain securely stowed in a concealed, nonoperational position (FIG. 4). As FIG. 11 illustrate, elastic bands 118a, 118b retract into the inner cavity 114 of pockets 112a-b.

[0081] Looking at FIG. 12, the pocket has a flap and a fastening mechanism 116 that encapsulate elastic bands 118a for secure stowage in the inner cavity 114. Once, elastic band is stowed inside the inner cavity 114 of pocket, fastening mechanism 116 closes pocket 112a-b (FIG. 13). Thus, the elastic bands 118a-b may be securely stowed while pants 102 are worn in normal daily wear. While stowed in such a manner, the user can wear pants 102 without it being apparent that elastic bands 118a-b are attached thereto.

[0082] Looking back at FIG. 1, the garment 100 also includes pair of stirrup loop straps 130a, 130b disposed at the ankle ends 126a-b. Stirrup loop straps 130a-b extend across the openings formed at the ankle ends. This allows stirrup loop straps 130a-b to receive the feet when the pants are donned. The feet prevent the ankle ends from moving in the first direction and help counterbalance the external resistance force generated by pulling the elastic bands in the first direction.

[0083] Stirrup loop straps 130a-b provide an anchor for the foot to create greater leverage, and thereby resistance, when pulling the bands. Stirrup loop straps 130a-b resist the directional force of the elastic bands being pulled in the first directionin essence serving as an anchor. In some embodiments, stirrup loop straps 130a-b may be fabricated from a Ponte Roma material, a blend of cotton, lycra spandex, nylon, polyester, wool, a light and stretchy synthetic material, or a combination thereof.

[0084] In exercise operation, FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate how a wearer can optimize resistance training with garment 100. Firstly, wearer grasps the rings 124a, 124b at second end 122 of elastic bands 118a-b and manipulate elastic bands 118a, 118b for exercising the upper body, toning the legs 106a, 106b with resistance training, and myriad other combinations of upper and lower body exercises.

[0085] For example, second end 122 of the band is pulled in the first direction 500, thereby generating an external resistance force along the longitudinal of the band. Those skilled in the art will recognize that this type of resistance training with elastic bands is possible because the elastic bands 118a, 118b work against the weight and muscle resistance of the legs 106a, 106b. Further, the length of the elastic bands 118a, 118b are not restrictive, but can stretch, fold, and wrap around the legs 106a, 106b, upper body, or exercise equipment. Further, the wearer can hold and manipulate the elastic bands 118a, 118b at a desired resistance position along their length to add or reduce resistance. Elastic bands 118a, 118b may be interchanged within pockets 112a-b to change the resistance level.

[0086] For example, FIG. 5A shows wearer grasping both rings 124a, 124b while pivoting on the balls of the feet 202, so as to strengthen the calves and lower legs in general. FIG. 5B shows the wearer grasping the elastic bands in a cross-position while holding the feet, and thereby the first end 120 of elastic bands 118a-b steady on the ground, so as to strengthen the arms and general upper body region. FIG. 5C shows the wearer tying the second end 122 of elastic bands to a mounted object and lifting the legs in first direction 500 for leg strengthening exercises. FIG. 5D shows the wearer grasping both rings 124a, 124b while pivoting on the balls of the feet 202, so as to strengthen the calves and lower legs in general. Wearer pulls the elastic bands 118a-b in first direction 500 while standing on balls of feet.

[0087] In conclusion, a wearable resistance exercise garment 100 and method of resistance exercise provides stretchy material athletic pants with a pair of elastic bands 118a-b attached at the ankle ends of the pants 102 for performing resistance exercises. In operation, the wearer pulls one end of the elastic bands in a first direction to generate an external resistance force that is counterbalanced by the weight of the wearer, and the fixed attachment to the ankle ends of the pants. Pants have an upper waist section and a pair of legs terminating at two ankle ends.

[0088] The ankle ends form openings that enable passage of the feet. A hook and loop fastener strap regulates the snugness around the ankle. A fastenable pocket forms at ankle ends. Elastic bands have a first end fixedly attach to the pocket, and a second end that can be grasped by the wearer. The bands are pulled in first direction and manipulated for resistance training. When not in use, the bands are tucked into their respective pockets and the pocket is closed with a pair of hook and loop fasteners.

[0089] FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a pair of length-adjustable, detachable elastic bands 1400a, 1400b extending a substantial length of the pant legs 106a-b, generally beyond the upper waist section 104. Elastic bands 1400a-b have a first end 1402 and a second end 1404. As in the above-disclosed elastic bands, length-adjustable, detachable elastic bands 1400a-b are configured to be grasped at rings from second end 1404 and manipulated, working against the weight of the wearer and resistance from the legs 106a-b of the wearer. The alternative embodiment of a pair of length-adjustable, detachable elastic bands 1400a, 1400b are defined by a unique capacity to detach from pants through a clip member 1406, such as a heavy-duty, swiveling spring clip.

[0090] At first end 1402 of length-adjustable, detachable elastic bands 1400a-b, the clip member 1406 detachably attaches elastic bands 1400a-b to an anchor member 1408 that anchors inside inner cavity 114 of pocket 112a-bat ankle ends 126a-b of pants 102. In one non-limiting embodiment, anchor member 1408 comprises a metal hoop (FIG. 15). This allows length-adjustable, detachable elastic bands 1400a-b to be detached completely from the pants. In one non-limiting embodiment, clip member 1406 comprises a heavy-duty spring clip attached to a swiveling connector. Looking now at close-up view of FIG. 16, the pair of length-adjustable, detachable elastic bands 1400a, 1400b include a slide buckle 1410. Slide buckle is a flat buckle that receives length of elastic belt 1400a-b through a slot. Slide buckle 1410 is configured to slide along the longitudinal of elastic bands 1400a-b. Slide buckle 1410 enables elastic bands 1400a-b to be length adjusted.

[0091] FIG. 17 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method 1700 for resistance exercise with a resistance exercise garment. Method 1700 may include an initial Step 1702 of aligning a pair of resilient pants with the legs, the pants being defined by a stretchable surface, an upper waist section, and a pair of legs terminating at two ankle ends, the ankle ends forming openings. In one embodiment, method 1700 may further comprise a Step 1704 of donning the pants, such that the feet pass through the openings. A Step 1706 includes fitting the feet into a pair of stirrup loop straps at the ankle ends.

[0092] In some embodiments, a Step 1708 comprises adjusting, with a hook and loop fastener strap, the ankle ends of the pants to form a snug fit around the ankles of the wearer. A Step 1710 includes removing a pair of elastic bands from a pair of fastenable pockets in the ankle ends, the elastic bands defined by a free second end and a first end fixedly attached to the pockets. In some embodiments, a Step 1712 may include grasping the second end of the elastic bands. A Step 1714 comprises pulling the elastic bands in a first direction, whereby an external resistance force is generated along the longitudinal of the elastic bands. Method 1700 may further comprise a Step 1716 of compacting the elastic bands into the fastenable pockets. A final Step 1718 of method includes fastening closed, with a hook and loop fastener, the fastenable pocket.

[0093] Although the process-flow diagrams show a specific order of executing the process steps, the order of executing the steps may be changed relative to the order shown in certain embodiments. Also, two or more blocks shown in succession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence in some embodiments. Certain steps may also be omitted from the process-flow diagrams for the sake of brevity. In some embodiments, some or all the process steps shown in the process-flow diagrams can be combined into a single process.

[0094] These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.

[0095] Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.